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This Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice makes for a comforting meal that feels fancy but comes together easily on busy evenings. Juicy chicken breast is paired with a bright lemon butter sauce and creamy parmesan rice that always wins rave reviews at my table.
Chicken scampi first made its way into my kitchen when I wanted something restaurant-worthy at home and my kids ask for the creamy garlic rice at least once a month now
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Tender chicken is the center of the dish Look for fresh high quality meat for the best texture
- Olive oil: Adds flavor and helps brown the chicken Choose extra virgin if possible
- Salt: Essential for seasoning Use coarse kosher salt for better control
- Black pepper: Gives a gentle heat Crush fresh for bold flavor
- Paprika: Adds color and gentle earthiness Choose sweet or smoked depending on preference
- Butter: Gives richness and depth to both chicken and rice Use good quality unsalted butter
- Garlic: Brings that classic aromatic bite Freshly minced cloves deliver the brightest punch
- Chicken broth: Layers in savory flavor Look for low sodium if watching salt
- Lemon juice: Brings lively brightness Always use fresh lemons if you can squeeze them
- Lemon zest: Packs in extra citrus flavor from the peel
- Chopped parsley: Freshness and color Add right before serving for the best texture
- Red pepper flakes: Optional Print a little heat into the sauce Use sparingly or skip if you are not a spice fan
- White rice: Absorbs all the buttery cheesy goodness Choose long grain for fluffy texture
- Parmesan cheese: Melts for creaminess Go for freshly grated real parmesan not the shelf-stable stuff
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry and coat both sides with salt black pepper and paprika
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Place chicken in the pan and cook for five to six minutes per side until golden brown with an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest
- Build the Scampi Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet Stir and let garlic bloom for about one to two minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned
- Deglaze and Simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom for extra flavor Add lemon zest and simmer for three to four minutes so the sauce thickens slightly
- Return Chicken to Sauce:
- Nestle the chicken breasts back into the pan Spoon over the sauce and let simmer gently for two to three minutes so chicken stays tender
- Start the Garlic Parmesan Rice:
- While the chicken is simmering melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat Stir in the remaining garlic and let it sizzle briefly
- Toast Rice Then Cook:
- Add white rice and stir to coat in garlic butter Toast for about one minute before adding chicken broth Bring mixture to a boil then reduce heat Cover and simmer for fifteen minutes so the rice is tender
- Finish the Rice:
- Take off the heat and stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and parsley for a creamy finish
- Plate and Serve:
- Pile the creamy rice onto warm plates Top with chicken and spoon over plenty of lemon butter sauce Finish with more parsley and red pepper flakes to taste
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The parmesan cheese always steals the show in this recipe I still remember the first time I caught my daughter scraping every last creamy bit from her bowl and asking for seconds
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days For the best texture reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the rice Again avoid microwaving for too long so the chicken stays juicy
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap the chicken breast for boneless thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian take If you are out of parmesan try pecorino or asiago for a similar rich flavor Fresh basil or chives can stand in for parsley if needed
Serving Suggestions
This dish is complete on its own but I love serving it with a crisp green salad and fresh bread on the side Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also make wonderful add ons
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Cultural Notes
Scampi usually refers to shrimp in Italian American cooking but chicken scampi is a creative twist popular in home kitchens The bright lemony pan sauce is inspired by classic southern Italian flavors and the creamy rice makes it memorable
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture before slicing and serving.
- → What type of rice works best for this dish?
White long-grain rice is ideal, as it cooks up fluffy and absorbs the parmesan and broth flavors well.
- → Can I make the sauce creamier?
Yes, add a splash of cream or extra butter to the sauce for a richer, more luscious finish.
- → How can I enhance the garlic flavor?
Use freshly minced garlic and allow it to gently sauté in butter until fragrant for the boldest taste.
- → Is this dish spicy?
Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can omit them for a milder flavor profile.